Dear Community:

On this Sunday, we are invited to pause and reflect on the Word that the Lord offers us today.

The readings for this Sunday contain—yes—signs of warning, but above all, a message of hope and faithfulness.

In the first reading, the prophet Malachi announces that “the day is coming, blazing like an oven,” when the proud and evildoers will be consumed, while for those who fear the Lord, “the sun of justice will rise with healing rays.”

The responsorial psalm proclaims: “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice” (Psalm 98) — an invitation to praise the Lord and recognize that He acts with fairness and righteousness.

In the Gospel according to Luke (21:5-19), Jesus warns that times of crisis will come: wars, earthquakes, persecutions... But to those who persevere He promises: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

What does all this mean for us today? Is it a message of fear?

• First: the nearness of the Day of the Lord calls us to live with awareness of time — not to postpone doing good, and not to grow complacent.
• Second: the call to responsibility — in work, in service, and in community — reminds us that faith requires a life of commitment.
• Third: though difficulties abound — and there are many — Jesus is with us and invites us to trust. We are not alone. He is our firm rock.
• Fourth: hope. Beyond the signs and the trials, the promise remains that “the sun of justice” will shine.

When we live faithfully, we experience His healing and liberating presence.

May this Sunday Eucharist encourage us to renew our Christian commitment, to live with responsibility and hope, and to recognize ourselves as a people who joyfully await the Lord’s coming.

With my affectionate blessing,

Rev. Julio Fernandez